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Saturday, July 09, 2011

From Popmatters.comRonsonized Black Lips? More importantly this is a top 10 album of 2011!
Here’s a band that’s gone through three lineup changes (and one founding band member’s death) since their debut in 2000, have played loosely with the borders of the expansive garage punk genre, and still managed to get often rave reviews from listeners and critics. Part of their success might be their legendarily GG Allinesque live performances, which reflect back on and mediate the listener’s recorded experience. More likely it is that they record albums that are nearly as entertaining as their live performances. Arabia Mountain, the band’s sixth studio album, may in fact be their best yet, and if it’s not, it’s certainly their most (but not overly) polished and catchy to date.

No surprise then that Arabia Mountain was produced by wunderkind of mix Mark Ronson, who has produced superstars like Amy Winehouse? Not exactly. There was certainly trepidation among some fans when word of Ronson’s intervention appeared. The Lips had never before used a producer! Enter thrice Grammy-fied Ronson, who claimed he loved the band’s music and/but wanted to help them “take it to the next level” after their 2009 album 200 Million Thousand was dubbed their endearingly loosest and sloppiest yet. Would he finally make these ne’er do wells take showers, comb their hair, and raise the toilet lid before peeing (assuming he could get them to use a toilet at all)?continue reading

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Saw Charles Bradley last night at La Maroquinerie here in Paris. The man effuses love for his audience. He blew a full house away with his smooth, poetic ballads, jivin up-tempo soul, and slick dance moves (and he's a senior citizen!). Fantastic story this soul man, the "Screamin Eagle of Soul," has to tell. Lived on the streets for most of his youth. Skipped around from cooking job to job for years and years, all the while fitting in his James Brown screamin-smoothin style (in equal amounts) music in random gigs. Only a few years ago, 2002, did soul revival lable Daptone Records discover him and assist him in recording and circulating his classic soul sound. Yet he is not a cover artist, despite this killer soul cover of Neil Young. He writes his own songs. If you have any soft spot for classic soul, especially James Brown, get this record now!

La Miroiterie: "A squat that offers interesting concerts and exhibitions. There is also a free shop, where you can both take and bring second-hand clothes, books, toys, and more" (Wikitravel).88, rue de Menilmontant, 75020 Paris. Metro: Menilmontant.

Point Ephemere: 19me. One of our favorite bar/resto/concert venues in Paris. Located in an old warehouse on the edge of the Canal St. Martin, Quai de Valmy, just south of MetroJaures, this is a big and important space for indieParis. It has art expos, a cheap resto/bar (pints ofGrolsch for 5euros/2.5 for a demi), and a monthly musical offerings from dj-ed electro toindie rock. 200 Quai de Valmy, 75010 Paris. Metro: Jaures, Louis Blanc.

EspaceJemmapes: Cultural center located along the Canal St. Martin. Throughout the year, thecenter provides courses in the plastic arts, performing arts, sports, dance and music and areopen to everyone. 116 rue de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris. Metro: Jacques Bonsergent

Le Fanfaron: Tiny rock bar with great character. Not for tourists. 6 Rue de la Main d'Or, 75011. Metro Ledru-Rollin.

Petit Garage: 63, Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud 75011 Metro : Menilmontant, Couronnes, or Parmentier. More student and bobo these days, but the owner still plays some good rock, punk, and new wave.